If there's one way to create a warm fuzzy feeling in the centre of my being, it's smiling.

 

For some reason, the small act of using a few facial muscles to raise the corners of my mouth, lights me up inside, gives me the giggles and puts a spring in my step.

 

I've been incredibly busy recently, and feeling a trifle overloaded, I could have fallen prey to what I loosely call 'stress'. I don't believe it needs to exist within any of us and so I take steps to ensure it doesn't exist within me.

 

I SMILE!

 

Simple really, one might think, yet for some it doesn't seem to enter their minds as they go about their day with little self-expression. When I see others in such a predicament, I smile warmly at them and hold their gaze. Most do actually smile back and some even laugh.

 

We aren't always present to our demeanour - that is, our state - and our body language can make some interesting state-ments as to how we are feeling. So when caught unawares, our natural or sub-concious response is to smile.

 

You ever found that? You turned round, saw someone smiling at you and smiled back without thinking about it? It's instinctive. We smiled as babies! No one taught us how to, and yet our faces still beamed with joy. We weren't even old enough to understand the language being spoken to us, we just copied the smiling face above ours and smiled as widely as our mouths would let us. Interesting when you go back to basics isn't it?

 

As we grow up, there seems - for some - to be a certain stigma about smiling. Like our faces might crack!! Like we'll give the wrong impression. That it isn't 'cool'. Or even that it isn't appropriate! Well, if a simple innocent smile isn't appropriate, what is? I see so many people on their daily journeys with straight faces, some looking down, and as for eye contact, well it's mostly non-existent.

 

So I know there are many people not being present to what they - and others - could enjoy, just for fun! And for FREE!

 

This life we live - it's about LOVE, joy, happiness, growth and fun! It's about making a difference. It's about living! A smile can help lift people's spirits whether they are wearing one or watching one.

 

How do you feel when you smile?

 

Try smiling now, and feel the sensation. And I really mean smile - where your eyes twinkle and crease, your cheeks bunch up and your teeth are all on show - like the Joker's smile!

 

What's happening? Stay present and alert to your body's responses.

 

Now, take a deep cleansing breath - yes, whilst you're still smiling - think about something funny or someone close to you. Do you feel another change in your state? Do your shoulders quiver? Do you breathe out some giggly sounds? Can you feel a tingling sensation? Are you in fact laughing?!

 

Well when I do this, even my ears pull back! I must have been given some extra muscles secured to my large Dad-like ears, and yet the sensation of my ears moving, simply makes me giggle more. Well it tickles!!

 

I feel that there's no time like the present to smile. Whenever that is! Wherever that is! There need be no reason, season, climate or point to a smile, just smile because you love to, too!

 

Just think, your bright smile might just be the tonic that someone else needs - right at that moment. Smile for yourself and for those that aren't - you may find your smile is infectious and that really is cool!

 

If you found this blog because you were looking for LOVE - then you've found it!

By smiling, you are telling the world you are happy - and everyone loves happy people. You got this far, so share a smile with someone and see what happens.

 

I dare you!

 

From one happy smiling person to another, I send you gratitude and LOVE, as always and for all ways!

 

If you've enjoyed this little conversation we've been having, come back on a regular basis, as I cover all things to do with LOVE - there are heaps of it everywhere! Honestly.

 

Oh, and here's a final thought - if you are challenged with pain - whatever it is - here's another beautiful set of lyrics from a wonderful smiley man; Mr Nat King Cole. It's called.....SMILE!

 

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through, for you.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

 

Andrea Nicole Smart